Micheál Martin
Critical of Kerry publicans
The Licensed Vintners' Association has said it is not yet making any decisions about the implementation of the ban on smoking in the workplace.
The Association, which represents publicans in the Dublin area, said it would wait until it meets the Minister for Health, Micheál Martin, in a fortnight's time.
The statement follows the decision by publicans in Kerry to defy the ban, due to be imposed in January.
Earlier, the Independent TD for Kerry South, Jackie Healy Rae, said he supports the rejection by Kerry vintners.
Deputy Healy Rae said the enforcement of the ban in small rural pubs was unworkable.
Minister warns publicans not to defy ban
However the Minister has said the Kerry publicans need to reflect on their plans. He said the bottom line was that the law would be applied.
The Mandate trade union has also criticised the Kerry publicans. It says the publicans should not be allowed to bully the minister.
Publicans in Cork are expected to vote on the issue next week and they look set to follow the example set by their Kerry counterparts.
Further calls for a compromise
Meanwhile, there has been further evidence tonight of backbench unrest in Fianna Fáil over the smoking ban.
The North Kerry Fianna Fáil TD, Tom McEllistrim, said the ban was too drastic and has backed calls for a compromise.
